Last updated: 10 August 2026
Going to some countries require a special type of Visa, depending on your trip purpose. It is the same thing if you want to go to UAE (United Arab Emirates). Decide what type of Visa you need and look after all the procedures and processes needed to obtain a UAE Visa.
People are able to choose between:
- Employment Visa
- Residence visa
- Family visit Visa
- Investor Visa (Also called partner’s visa)
- Transit visa (Given to on arrival visitors)
- Multi-entry Visa – Short Term (30 days)
- Multi-entry Visa – Long Term (90 days)
- Tourist Visa – Short Term (30 days)
- Tourist Visa – Long Term (90 days)
- Service Visa (14 days visa applicable in special cases)
Some rules and other factors may change some types of Visa, so before deciding to Go to UAE make sure that you’re allowed to obtain the type of Visa you need.
Some Visas types have different periods of staying: for example, the Tourist Visa can have a length of 14, 30 or 90 Days. There are also some types of Tourist Visa that allows you to enter and exit the UAE area multiple times. Make sure that you choose this one if you need to enter multiple times, otherwise you’ll not be allowed to do that.
Each Type of Visa that is available in UAE has different costs and different processes for obtaining. People who want to obtain any type of visa that is available in UAE need to provide specific documents.
There are also types of Visa that offer you the possibility to renew it. It is very useful in case that your plan didn’t work out and you must extend your stay. You won’t need to exit the UAE and to go to your country to obtain a new Visa.
An important thing that you should know before applying for a UAE Visa is that there are some sponsors that can apply for you and help you to get your Visa. Airlines companies, hotels or companies that run a tourism business, friends or relatives can be your sponsors. They could help you get your Visa easier.
It’s good to know that after you pay the Visa fee you won’t be able to obtain a refund if you decide that you don’t want to travel to UAE. Before applying and paying for it make sure that you’ll travel to UAE because you won’t receive the money back.
Most of the Visas have processing time of 3-4 days, but in some cases there might be a small delay, so you should expect to receive the Visa in about a week. Plan your vacation with a few weeks or months before the date you want to go to UAE because this way you’ll eliminate any problems that could make your Visa delay the trip.
When you calculate the average time of receiving your Visa you should know that they are trying to release it in 3-4 working day. This means that they don’t work on Friday, Saturday and they don’t work also on the Public Holidays.
For some nationalities the process for obtaining a Visa for UAE can require more documents and steps, and for some nationalities, there might not be available any type of Visa. Before trying to go to UAE make sure that everything’s legal and all your papers are fine, otherwise you might have serious problems.
Dubai Tourist Visa Types – Complete Guide with Fees (AED)
Dubai offers five main tourist visa options for travellers. The right visa depends on how long you plan to stay and how many times you need to enter the UAE.
| Visa Type | Duration | Entry | Fee (AED) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-Day Tourist Visa | 14 days | Single | AED 375 | 2–3 working days |
| 30-Day Tourist Visa | 30 days | Single | AED 400 | 2–3 working days |
| 60-Day Tourist Visa | 60 days | Single | AED 600 | 2–3 working days |
| 30-Day Multiple Entry Visa | 30 days per visit | Multiple | AED 800 | 4–5 working days |
| 60-Day Multiple Entry Visa | 60 days per visit | Multiple | AED 1,200 | 4–5 working days |
All fees above are for the standard Dubai tourist visa issued through a licensed UAE visa agency. Fees are fixed and do not vary by nationality.
What Is the Difference Between a 30-Day and 60-Day Dubai Visa?
The 30-day Dubai tourist visa allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 30 consecutive days from the date of entry. It costs AED 400 and is the most popular choice for holiday trips, family visits, and short business stays.
The 60-day Dubai tourist visa allows you to stay for up to 60 consecutive days. It costs AED 600 and is the right option if you plan to travel across the UAE, visit family for an extended period, or need more flexibility without worrying about departure deadlines.
Both are single-entry visas — once you exit the UAE, the visa expires and you cannot re-enter on the same visa.
What Is the Difference Between Single Entry and Multiple Entry Dubai Visa?
A single entry Dubai visa allows you to enter the UAE once. As soon as you leave the UAE, the visa is no longer valid — even if days remain. This is suitable for travellers visiting Dubai in one continuous stay.
A multiple entry Dubai visa allows you to enter and exit the UAE multiple times within the validity period. Each stay can be up to 30 or 60 days (depending on which multiple entry visa you choose). This is the right choice if you plan to travel to nearby countries like Oman or Bahrain and return to Dubai, or if your trip involves multiple stops.
Which Dubai Visa Should I Apply For?
Choose based on your trip length and travel pattern:
- Short holiday (up to 2 weeks): 14-Day Single Entry Visa – AED 375
- Standard holiday or family visit (up to 30 days): 30-Day Single Entry Visa – AED 400
- Long stay or extended visit (up to 60 days): 60-Day Single Entry Visa – AED 600
- Multiple trips into UAE within a month: 30-Day Multiple Entry Visa – AED 800
- Frequent travel in and out of UAE over two months: 60-Day Multiple Entry Visa – AED 1,200
If you are unsure, the 30-Day Single Entry Visa at AED 400 is the best starting point for most travellers. It covers the standard Dubai holiday and can be extended if needed before it expires.
What Documents Are Required for a Dubai Tourist Visa?
The standard document list for a Dubai tourist visa application:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your intended travel date
- Colour scanned copy of the passport bio-data page
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation or host’s UAE residence visa copy (if staying with family or friends)
Additional documents may be required for certain nationalities. Travellers from countries with higher visa scrutiny — such as Pakistan, Nigeria, Iraq, or Afghanistan — may be asked to submit bank statements, salary certificates, or travel history documentation.
How Long Does a Dubai Visa Take to Process?
Standard processing times for Dubai tourist visas:
- 14-Day, 30-Day, 60-Day Single Entry Visa: 2–3 working days
- 30-Day and 60-Day Multiple Entry Visa: 4–5 working days
Processing times are counted in UAE working days (Sunday to Thursday). Applications submitted on Friday or Saturday are processed from the following Sunday. Plan to apply at least one week before your travel date to allow buffer time.
Why Do Dubai Visa Applications Get Rejected?
The most common reasons Dubai tourist visa applications are rejected:
- Incomplete or low-quality passport scan (blurry, cut off, or not colour)
- Passport validity less than 6 months from the date of travel
- Photo not meeting UAE standards (sunglasses, headwear, shadows on face)
- Name mismatch between the passport and the flight/hotel booking
- Travel history showing previous UAE overstays or violations
- Insufficient financial means shown for nationalities that require bank statements
- Passport from a nationality that requires additional screening or security clearance
Most rejections are avoidable with correct documentation submitted from the start.
Can I Extend My Dubai Tourist Visa?
Yes. Dubai tourist visas can be extended before they expire. A 30-day visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days without leaving the UAE. Extensions are processed through the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or a licensed UAE visa agency.
If you overstay your visa without extending, you will be charged an overstay fine of AED 50 per day plus a AED 100 administrative fee. Repeated overstays can result in a UAE entry ban.
Frequently Asked Questions – Dubai Visa Types
Do I need a visa to visit Dubai?
Most nationalities need a pre-approved tourist visa to enter Dubai. Citizens of GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar) do not need a visa. Some nationalities — including US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian passport holders — receive a visa on arrival or visa-free access. For all other nationalities, a tourist visa must be arranged before travel.
How much does a Dubai tourist visa cost?
Dubai tourist visa fees through a licensed UAE agency: AED 375 (14-day), AED 400 (30-day single entry), AED 600 (60-day single entry), AED 800 (30-day multiple entry), AED 1,200 (60-day multiple entry). Fees do not vary by nationality.
What is the cheapest Dubai visa option?
The cheapest Dubai visa is the 14-day single entry tourist visa at AED 375. For most travellers, the 30-day single entry at AED 400 offers the best value — it provides twice the stay for only AED 25 more.
Can I enter Dubai twice on the same visa?
No — not on a single entry visa. If you exit the UAE, a single entry visa is void even if days remain. To enter Dubai more than once, you need a multiple entry visa (AED 800 for 30-day or AED 1,200 for 60-day).
What is the maximum stay on a Dubai tourist visa?
The maximum stay on a standard Dubai tourist visa is 60 days per entry. The 60-day multiple entry visa allows 60 days per visit with multiple entries, giving the greatest flexibility for long-term or repeat visitors.
How early should I apply for a Dubai visa?
Apply at least 5–7 days before your travel date. Standard processing is 2–3 working days for single entry visas and 4–5 working days for multiple entry visas. Applying earlier gives buffer time in case additional documents are requested.
Is a Dubai visa the same as a UAE visa?
Yes. Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A UAE tourist visa issued through Dubai’s immigration authority is valid for entry at any UAE airport or port, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman — not just Dubai.
What happens if I overstay my Dubai visa?
Overstaying a Dubai visa incurs a fine of AED 50 per day plus a AED 100 administrative fee. Overstays are recorded in the UAE immigration system and can affect future visa approvals. Serious or repeated overstays can result in a UAE entry ban.